Program Characteristics
No Prescreen
No Audition
No Interview
University App Required
Program Highlights
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Award-winning BSU Theatre — production of PIPELINE won 12 national awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
•First HBCU in Maryland (founded 1865) with a nationally recognized theatre program
TRAINING
•Coursework in acting, directing, stagecraft, children's theatre, dance, and playwriting
•Mid-point evaluation at ~60 credits ensures students stay on track; capstone seminar with cumulative portfolio
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•2 Main Stage and 2 Black Box productions per season, plus student-produced work and the annual 10-Minute Play Festival
•Housed in the Fine and Performing Arts Center — a 123,500 sq ft facility featuring the 374-seat Dionne Warwick Theater, a reconfigurable Black Box Theatre, and a 90-seat Movement Studio
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Myles Frost — 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for MJ the Musical
•Jovan Adepo — starred in Fences, Overlord, and Watchmen
LOCATION
•Minutes from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, providing access to professional theatre, internships, and industry connections
Key Info
University AppApplication
Apply atSchool Website
Deadlines
Early Admission DecisionDec 1, 2026
PriorityFeb 15, 2027
Regular DecisionJun 1, 2027
Fee
$40Waiver
Good to Know
APPLICATION PORTAL
•Apply through Bowie State University's online application portal
•No separate audition or arts supplement required
ELIGIBILITY
•Test-optional admissions policy
•Fall enrollment available
What's The Process
ADMISSION
•No audition required for admission to the program
INTERNAL ASSESSMENT
•Assessment begins at the onset of freshman year and continues throughout
•Mid-point evaluation at approximately 60 credits
•Capstone seminar with cumulative portfolio required for graduation
PERFORMANCE REQUIREMENTS
•Minimum 120 hours in performance and technical crew work (30 hours/semester for 4 semesters)
•Participate in at least 3 off-campus and 4 on-campus auditions annually
•Minimum grade of C required in all theatre and dance courses
Program info updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
PROGRAM RECOGNITION
•Award-winning BSU Theatre — production of PIPELINE won 12 national awards at the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival
•First HBCU in Maryland (founded 1865) with a nationally recognized theatre program
TRAINING
•Coursework in acting, directing, stagecraft, children's theatre, dance, and playwriting
•Mid-point evaluation at ~60 credits ensures students stay on track; capstone seminar with cumulative portfolio
PERFORMANCE & PRODUCTIONS
•2 Main Stage and 2 Black Box productions per season, plus student-produced work and the annual 10-Minute Play Festival
•Housed in the Fine and Performing Arts Center — a 123,500 sq ft facility featuring the 374-seat Dionne Warwick Theater, a reconfigurable Black Box Theatre, and a 90-seat Movement Studio
NOTABLE ALUMNI
•Myles Frost — 2022 Tony Award for Best Actor in a Musical for MJ the Musical
•Jovan Adepo — starred in Fences, Overlord, and Watchmen
LOCATION
•Minutes from Washington, DC, and Baltimore, providing access to professional theatre, internships, and industry connections
Updated Mar 24, 12:58 AM
Academic School Information
3.16
Avg GPA (W)
72%
Admit Rate
38%
Grad Rate
5,043
Enrollment
$54,537
Earnings
10yr after
In-State Tuition
$9,218
before aid
Out-of-State Tuition
$19,938
before aid
Average Annual Cost
$19,298
after typical aid
Average annual cost is often lower than tuition because it accounts for grants and scholarships most students receive. It includes tuition, room & board, books, and supplies.
Family Income $0 - $30k$17,071
Family Income $30k - $48k$16,646
Family Income $48k - $75k$19,163
Family Income $75k - $110k$22,808
Family Income $110k+$24,919
